The First Circuit Court of Appeals has affirmed the conviction of Hassan Abbas, a former attorney who played a central role in romance scams and business email compromises that bilked victims out of millions of dollars. The decision, issued January 29, 2026, in *United States v. Abbas* (No. 24-1831), represents the latest chapter in a case that exposes the devastating impact of sophisticated online fraud schemes.
Abbas, described by the court as a "convicted fraudster," used his legal credentials and knowledge to facilitate complex financial crimes. According to the First Circuit's opinion, Abbas opened bank accounts for fake companies, which served as conduits for money wired by victims who had been deceived by his co-conspirators. These victims believed they were either helping romantic partners or completing legitimate business transactions, falling prey to what the court characterized as "sleazy" schemes designed to exploit trust and emotion.
The fraud operation worked through two primary methods: romance scams and business email compromises. In romance scams, perpetrators build fake romantic relationships with victims online, eventually convincing them to send money for various fabricated emergencies or needs. Business email compromises involve criminals intercepting or spoofing business communications to trick companies or individuals into wiring funds to fraudulent accounts.
Abbas's role was crucial to the scheme's success. By leveraging his position as an attorney, he was able to open bank accounts for fictitious companies that appeared legitimate to financial institutions. Once victims transferred money into these accounts, Abbas would either shift the funds to other accounts or withdraw cash for personal use, according to the court's findings.
The opinion reveals that Abbas continued his fraudulent activities even after bank investigators confronted him about suspicious transactions. This persistence demonstrates the brazen nature of his conduct and his disregard for both legal consequences and the harm inflicted on victims.
The case originated in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts, where Abbas was prosecuted under the supervision of U.S. District Judge Leo T. Sorokin. The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Randall E. Kromm, working under United States Attorney Leah B. Foley. Abbas was represented on appeal by James M. Mason of Handelman & Mason LLC.
The First Circuit panel that decided the appeal consisted of Circuit Judges Montecalvo, Lynch, and Thompson, with Circuit Judge Thompson writing the opinion. The court's decision to affirm the lower court's conviction suggests that Abbas's legal arguments on appeal were unsuccessful, though the full details of those arguments and the court's reasoning are not fully detailed in the available excerpts.
This case is part of a broader pattern of prosecutions targeting online fraud schemes that have proliferated in recent years. Romance scams, in particular, have become increasingly sophisticated and costly. The Federal Trade Commission reported that romance scams resulted in losses exceeding $1.3 billion in 2022 alone, making them one of the most financially damaging forms of online fraud.
The involvement of a licensed attorney in such schemes is particularly troubling, as it highlights how professional credentials can be exploited to lend credibility to fraudulent operations. Abbas's disbarment reflects the legal profession's response to such misconduct, but his case demonstrates that formal sanctions may not always deter criminal behavior.
Business email compromises represent another growing threat to both businesses and individuals. These schemes often involve careful research and sophisticated social engineering techniques to make fraudulent requests appear legitimate. The FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center has identified business email compromises as one of the most financially damaging online crimes, with losses in the billions annually.
The First Circuit's decision to affirm Abbas's conviction sends a strong signal that courts will not tolerate the exploitation of professional positions to facilitate fraud. The case also underscores the importance of financial institutions maintaining robust monitoring systems to detect suspicious activity, even when accounts are opened by licensed professionals.
Looking forward, this case may influence how prosecutors approach similar schemes involving professional facilitators. The successful conviction and appeal affirmation demonstrate that authorities can effectively pursue complex multi-defendant fraud cases, even when they involve sophisticated methods and professional actors.
For potential victims, the case serves as a reminder of the importance of verifying the legitimacy of romantic relationships formed online and carefully scrutinizing unexpected business communications requesting wire transfers. The emotional manipulation inherent in romance scams makes them particularly effective, but awareness of these tactics can help potential victims recognize and avoid such schemes.
The Abbas case represents a successful prosecution in the ongoing battle against online fraud, but it also illustrates the evolving nature of these crimes and the need for continued vigilance from law enforcement, financial institutions, and the public.